Music aids development

April 11, 2008

To the editor:

I’m a mother of two boys, both that have been in the Somerset band since the fourth grade. My oldest now a freshman in college at Slippery Rock University for computer science has thrived from the music program. He loved marching band! He was field conductor his senior year. He was an Honor Roll student through out all his years; I believe that music made him the young man he is today.

My youngest son is now in the eighth grade and I hope that he too can reap the benefits from the music program at Somerset. With everything going on I’m not so sure this will happen.

I was reading a piece from Gaining the Arts Advantage, The President’s Committee on the Art and Humanities, 1999. It reads school districts with strong arts education programs report that superintendents and school principals who collectively support and regularly articulate a vision for arts education are critically important to the successful implementation and stability of district arts education policies. Somerset we’re in trouble!

Advertisement

Just a few quotes:

1. “In every successful business…there is one budget line that never gets cut. It’s called ‘Product Development’-and it’s the key to any company’s future growth. Music education is critical to the product development of this nation’s most important resource-our children.” John Sykes - President, VH1

2. “The things I learned from my experience in music in school are discipline, perseverance, dependability, composure, courage and pride in results… Not a bad preparation for the workforce!” Gregory Anrig - President, Educational Testing Service

3. “It’s [music education] terribly important, extremely important-because when you are a child, you are in a receptive age… In high schools, public schools-that’s where they must have the best influence, the first influence, which will go through their whole life.” Eugene Ormandy-conductor of the Philadelphia Orchestra

4. “It is our job, as parents, educators, and friends, to see that our young people have the opportunity to attain the thorough education that will prepare them for the future. Much of that education takes place in the classroom. We must encourage our youngsters in such pursuits as music education. In addition to learning the valuable lesson that it takes hard work to achieve success, no matter what the arena, music education can provide students with a strong sense of determination, improved communication skills, and a host of other qualities essential for successful living.” Edward H. Rensi - president and chief officer, U.S.A. McDonald’s Corporation

5. “Music is an essential part of everything we do. Like puppetry, music has an abstract quality which speaks to a worldwide audience in a wonderful way that nourishes the soul.” Jim Henson-television producer and puppeteer

I pray that the school board and our superintendent make the right decision to make our schools the best they can be and help all of us to nourish our souls.